Tilt Shift on the X System

[VTech]

Hi all,

looking for advice on tilt & shift for the X system.
Should I go for a Cambo Actus (or similar) or go for Tilt & Shift lens(es)?

Points that are (or might be) important
Product & Food photography
Might upgrade to GFX system in the future

That's more or less it in a nutshell.

If you would recommend going with T&S lens(es).
Which would you recommend? The canon ones all need an electronic adapter which seems a bit cumbersome, or am I wrong thinking that? I just have a preference for a aperture ring.

 

[Shashin]

A Cambo Actus would give more flexibility over lenses choices. Going wide (more than 35mm) usually means adapting tilt/shift lenses.

 

[VTech]

That makes sense.
I've been reading around on the same topic more or less. And I've been reading confusing things.
Some say that a Tilt/Shift lens is less fiddly, and by reading that I guess more accurate regarding tilt etc. than a bigger system?
And on another site I read the exact opposite.

The thing is, the Cambo Actus is definitely a bit too expensive for me right now. I was thinking of a DIY approach with older tech cams.
It's for product work that is maximum 3 to 4 m away. And besides would probably only be needed when it gets pretty close.

 

[biglouis]

Have you thought about using focus stacking in post, instead? Because I don't own any TS lenses I've used it a couple of times when I need front to back sharpness in an object. I do it in photoshop although I think there is also a function in LR and I would expect it is a feature in most raw processors.

I use perspective contol in LR and the new DxO PerspectiveEffex for converging verticles. Would that work for you?

LouisB

 

[VTech]

Well I've thought about using focus stacking.
Although I haven't done it yet, I already spend so much time on the computer. The less time spent on the computer the better, and since it's an extra step required...

Also there's certain projects where focus stacking isn't an option.

Thanks,

 

[biglouis]

Well I've thought about using focus stacking.
Although I haven't done it yet, I already spend so much time on the computer. The less time spent on the computer the better, and since it's an extra step required...

Also there's certain projects where focus stacking isn't an option.

Thanks,

Fair point. One thing I would add is that focus stacking features in the camera I have found to be less than optimal. I actually do it by moving the focus point myself rather than using the automated features. It does take time but for me the investment in a ts solution is not viable.

LouisB

 

[rdeloe]

Hi all,

looking for advice on tilt & shift for the X system.
Should I go for a Cambo Actus (or similar) or go for Tilt & Shift lens(es)?

Points that are (or might be) important
Product & Food photography
Might upgrade to GFX system in the future

That's more or less it in a nutshell.

If you would recommend going with T&S lens(es).
Which would you recommend? The canon ones all need an electronic adapter which seems a bit cumbersome, or am I wrong thinking that? I just have a preference for a aperture ring.

I built an extensive tilt-shift system around a Fuji X-T2 and Olympus OM lenses. You mentioned later in the thread that a Cambo Actus is too expensive for you right now. The setup I used involved a tilt-shift adapter. I don't enjoy using those, but they get the job done. Some details here: https://www.robdeloephotography.com/Pages/Tiltshift-on-APSC Of course you can do this with any lens line for which there is an adapter and enough coverage to allow movements. Most of these and these were done with this setup.

 

[robmac]

If you don't need ultra-wide, we use the Hasselblad HTS with both our H5D and GFX 50S (with the Fuji H adapter). Works wonderfully, especially on the GFX with LV, and you have your pick of lenses from 23mm to 100mm, leaf shutter or body shutter (no need for slow e-shutter on X series) and can be painlessly migrated to any higher-res GFX body.

(Disclosure: thinking of selling ours as project used for is over. It's the 2nd time we've owned the HTS and would buy a 3rd or 4th time if needed. Beautifully made kit)

 

[VTech]

Thanks for the suggestions.

That's exactly what I was thinking of a few weeks/months ago @robmac, but it's probably out of my budget.
I recently got an 80mm tilt shift, all manual. The tilt and shift is geared. I haven't tried it out yet, need to get an adapter for Fuji x

 

[robmac]

The trick is to buy used. The new price on an HTS is a bit nuts. Ours and a few others are going for app.US$2000 LN.

Good luck with the 80mm (Hartblei-Zeiss v series?).